Can opener escapement



NOV. 28, 1961 McLEAN 3,010,203

CAN OPENER ESCAPEMENT Filed June 29, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Robe/*7 5 Maw/7 Nov. 28, 1961 R. E. MCLEAN CAN OPENER ESCAPEMENT 4 Sheets$heet 2 Filed June 29, 1959 INVENTOR. Poe/v E M0420 Nov. 28, 1961 R. E. M LEAN CAN OPENER ESCAPEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 29, 1959 INVENTOR. Robe/'7 E fin haul El E Nov. 28, 1961 R. E. MCLEAN CAN OPENER ESCAPEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 29, 1959 INVENTOR. Paerf E MaLeq/r 3,010,203 CAN OPENER ESCAPEMENT Robert E. McLean, Raytown, Mo., assignor to John C. Hockery, trustee for Henry J. Talge and Foster L. Talge, Kansas City, Mo.

Filed June 29, 1959, Ser. No. 823,615 19 (Ilaims. (Cl. 39-9) This invention relates to escapement mechanisms employed in can openers and refers more particularly to an escapement mechanism for use in that type of can opener wherein initial rotation of a single operating handle in a first direction causes a cutter to pierce the end of the can, continued rotation of the handle in the same direction causes the can to be fed by a feed wheel in relation to the cutter to effect the cutting of the end from the can, and subsequent rotation of the same handle in the opposite direction then effects release of the can from the can opener.

In the subject type of can opener, the single crank or operating handle, during the initial rotation thereof, not only rotates the feed wheel which feeds the can relative to the cutter, but also actuates a thrust means which moves the feed wheel toward the cutter (or vice versa) whereby to cause the cutter to pierce the end of the can. After the said thrust means has been actuated, the crank and the thrust means must then be disconnected in order to permit the handle to be further rotated, in the same direction, the additional revolutions required to shear the end from the can. Furthermore, after the handle has been so rotated a sufiicient number of revolutions to completely sever the end from the can, it is necessary that, upon reversal of rotation of the handle, the handle again connect with the said thrust means to move the latter to a position which will release the can from the can opener.

An object of the present invention is to provide can opener escapements connecting the operating handle with the thrust means in can openers of the type described which move the feed wheel to and from the cutter (or vice versa) which (1) efliciently and effectively cause the engagement and piercing of the can, (2) efiiciently and effectively cause the disengagement of the handle from the thrust means to permit the feeding of the can relative to the cutter in the end cutting operation and (3) efliciently and effectively cause the re-engagement of the handle with the thrust means upon reversal of the direction of rotation of the handle.

Another object of the invention is to provide simple, efiicient, dependable, accurate, smoothly operating escapements for can openers of the type described which can be economically produced and which have a long life of operation under hard usage.

Another object of the invention is to provide escapement mechanisms for use in can openers of the type de scribed which may be employed with a variety of types of thrust mechanisms operable to translate the feed wheel to the cutter or vice versa.

Another object of the invention is to provide such escapement mechanisms wherein the essential parts of the escapements and parts operative therewith may be formed of hardened steel and, as all actions of the escapement means are restricted to the hardened steel parts, a minimum of friction, easier operation and reduced wear are achieved.

Another object of the invention is to provide such escapement mechanisms wherein the escapement does not tend to cock the handle from its normal desired alignment with the frame of the can opener, that is, the action of the escapement does not tend to cant the axis of the drive shaft (to which the handle is attached) from its normal right angle alignment with the frame of the can opener.

Another object of the invention is to provide can opener escapement mechanisms wherein the operating parts of the can opener so align during transmittal of force from the handle through the escapement mechanism as to mimimize the resistance to function of the parts, thereby resulting in less friction and easier operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide can opener escapement mechanisms wherein the possibility of the escapement becoming accidentally locked is extremely remote, but, should this occur, the locked condition can be unlocked by rotation of the operating handle without disassembly and reassembly of the can opener.

Another object of the invention is to provide can opener escapement mechanisms wherein, since all operating parts of the escapement may be formed of hardened steel, failure to initially lubricate or relubricate same in service will not have as adverse effect on the efiiciency of the escapement operation as will result from such failure to lubricate or relubricate other conventional escapement means.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course of the following description thereof.

In the drawings, which form a part of the instant specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, embodiments of the invention are shown and, in the various views, like numerals are employed to indicate like parts.

First form FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first form of can opener embodying the inventive escapement.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the can opener of FIG. 1 with the axis of the feed wheel of the can opener in its uppermost position.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the can opener of FIG. 1, with the axis of the feed wheel of the can opener in its uppermost position.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but with the axis of the feed wheel of the can opened in its lowermost position.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but with the axis of the feed wheel of the can opener in its lowermost position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to those of FIGS. 3 and 5, but with a portion of the handle broken away and showing the position of the escapement parts at the moment when escapement occurs.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 in the direction of the arrows, showing the'escapement parts in the same positions as in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the can opener of FIG. 1 showing the escapement parts in'the same positions as in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the can opener of FIG. 1 showing the escapement parts in the positions assumed when the handle has been rotated to the extreme counterclockwise position of the views of FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, the position to which it is rotated to effect releasing of the can from the can opener.

FIG. 10 is a view taken along the'line 1010 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows showing the positions of the parts after the handle has been rotated clockwise (views of FIGS. 3, 5 and 7) several degrees from the extreme counterclockwise position, the axis of the feed wheel being substantially in an intermediate position between the lowermost and uppermost positions thereof.

FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 10, but showing the position of the escapement parts after the handle has been rotated counterclockwise to. its extreme position (FIGS. and 7), the axis of the feed wheel being in its lowermost position.

Second form FIG. 12 is a left side view of a second form of can opener embodying the inventive escapement, the feed wheel of said can opener shown in the elevated or can engaged position. 7

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the can opener of FIG. 12 with the axis of the feed wheel in its uppermost position.

FIG. 14 is a view comparable to that of FIG. 12, but with the feed wheel of the can opener in its lowermost position.

FIG. 15 is a view comparable to that of FIG. 13, but with the feed wheel in its lowermost position, as in FIG. 14, and with the operating handle slightly rotated clockwise (in the view shown) from its extreme counterclockwise position, a portion of the operating handle broken away to Show underlying structure.

FIG. 16 is a view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 13 in the direction of the arrows. The feed wheel is in its uppermost position and the parts of the escapement mechanism are in the position they assume at the time escapement takes place.

FIG. 17 is a view taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 18 is a left side view (from the assembled position in the can opener) of a thrust disc employed in the second form of can opener.

FIG. 19 is a view taken along the line 1919 of FIG. 18 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary right side view of the frame of the can opener of the second form.

Third form FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken through the axes of the feed and cutter wheels of a third form of can opener employing the inventive escapement, the feed wheel shown in its uppermost position and the parts of the escapement mechanism shown in the positions they substantially assume at the time escapement takes place.

FIG. 22 is a view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 21 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 23 is a view taken along the line 2323 of FIG. 21 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 24 is a perspective exploded view of two parts of the third form of can opener.

Three forms of can openers employing the inventive escapement mechanism are shown and described in the instant specification.

FIGS. 1-11, inclusive, show a first form of can opener wherein a can piercing thrust means is employed which consists of a thrust link. As illustrated, the feed wheel of the can opener is journ'aled in one end of the thrust link for substantially vertical movement to eiiect the piercing of the end of a can, for rotary movement while the endis being sheared from the can, and for substantially vertical movement in a direction opposite from that employed in piercing the can to release the can from the can opener. The axis of the feed wheel moves substantially vertically in the vertical leg of a substantially L shaped slot provided in the frame or body of the can opener, while a pin secured in the opposite end of the thrust link moves in the substantially horizontal leg of the L- shaped slot.

In the second form of the invention, a can piercing thrust means is employed which consists of an eccentric disc or plate journaled in the frame or body of the can opener. The axis of the feed wheel is positioned at such a point oif the center of the eccentric disc or plate as will efiect the required amount of raising or lowering of the axis of the feed wheel to engage and disengage the can upon approximately one-half turn of the eccentric disc or plate.

The third form of the inventive escapement is applied to a can opener employing a can piercing thrust means which consists of an eccentric plug journaled in the frame or body of the can opener. The axis of the feed Wheel is positioned at such point 05 the center of said eccentric plug as will effect the required amount of raising or lowering of the axis of the feed wheel upon approximately one-half turn of the said eccentric plug.

This invention is an improvement over U.S. Patent No. 2,601,303, issued June 24, 1952, inventor W. I. Landry, Can Opener; the patent to W. I. Landry, No. 2,619,718, issued December 2, 1952, Can Opener, and also the patent to W. J. Landry et al., No. 2,647,306, issued August 4, 1953, Can Opener.

First form Referring now to the first form of the inventive construction, shown in FIGS. 1-11, inclusive, the numeral 25 designates the frame of the first form of can opener to which the inventive escapement means has been applied. The rearward end 25a of frame 25 is normally mounted in a bracket secured to a Wall or other vertical surface. Frame 25 is provided with an outturned flange 25b for a purpose to be later described. Frame 25 is also provided with an L shaped slot 26 having vertical leg 26a and horizontal leg 26b.

Cutter mounting plate 27 is pivotedto the frame 25 by rivet 28. Shoulder rivet Z9 secures the opposite end of the cutter mounting plate 27 to frame 25 for a limited free swingable movement, which movement is resisted by the coil spring 39 positioned in the aligned wells 36a cutter mounting plate 2.7 is the cutter wheel 31, which is secured on its arbor by nut 32. Also secured to the cutter mounting plate 2.7 are can guides 33 and 3-4.

Positioned adjacent the inner side of frame 25 is thrust link 35. Pressed into link 35 is feed wheel bearing 36 (FIG. 7). The smaller diameter portion of bearing 36 extends freely through the vertical leg 26:: of slot 2-6 of frame 25, and also extends freely through thrust disc 37 positioned adjacent the outer side of frame 25. Also secured in thrust link 35, by riveting or hot-heading process, is escapement pin 38. The larger diameter portion of escapement pin 38 extends freely through the horizontal leg 26b of-slot 26 of frame 25, and also extends freely through, and somewhat beyond, the bifurcated end of the arched leaf spring 3 9.

Feed wheel drive shaft 40 has a square cross section portion 40a that extends between handle or crank 41 and spring 39. Extending through leaf spring 39 is a shaft portion 40b of slightly lesser diameter than that of the journaled portion 45a of feed wheel 45. The outer end portion of feed wheel drive shaft 40 extends through a square hole of handle 41 and is hot headed therein to secure the two par-ts together and also secure the drive shaft 40 against rotation in crank 41. Feed wheel 45 has a toothed peripheral portion 45b for engagement with the under edge of the rim or flange of a can in order that proper traction may be had for feeding of a can in respect to the cutter wheel to effect the shearing of the end from the can. As shown, feed wheel 45 is threaded on the reduced diameter portion of drive shaft 40 until it firmly seats against the shoulder provided the larger diameter portion 40b of drive shaft 40. Pressure of arched leaf spring 39 is such as to always maintain thrust disc 37 against frame 25, maintain feed wheel 45 firmly seated against the larger diameter end of bearing 36, and, in turn, maintain, thrust link 35 fir-mly seated against frame 25. The resultant friction between these parts not only prevents accidental rotation of thrust link 35 in respect to frame 25, but also provides adequate friction to maintain crank 41 in any position to which it is turned.

Telescoped over the square portion 40a of drive shaft 40 is escapement pawl 42. The square hole provided in pawl 42 is sufficiently larger than the square cross section of portion 40a of the drive shaft 46 to permit pawl 42 to wobble freely on portion 40a of drive shaft 48. However, rotation of drive shaft 40 will always rotate the pawl 42 therewith. Interposed between crank 41 and pawl 42 is leaf spring 43 that always urges pawl 42 to seat on the leaf spring 39. A compression type coil spring could be telescoped over square portion 40a of drive shaft 40 for this purpose, if preferred.

Extending through an aperture provided in frame is a unitary piece which forms rise cam 44 with one side thereof and thrust'shelf 44a with the other. Rise cam 44 and shelf 44a are secured to the inturned portion 25b of frame 25 by screw 46, or by a rivet if preferred. Shelf 44a also serves as a can guard to maintain the sidewall portion of a can at the predetermined angle in relation to the face of feed wheel 45. Rise carp 44, as shown, is provided with'an apex substantially midway of its length on the same side of frame 25 as pawl 42, and the angularity of rise on either side of this apex can be such as preferred.

In operation of the first form of FIGS. 1-11, handle 41 may be rotated in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise in all descriptions of the first form shall refer to the views of FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 10 and 11. Pawl 42 rotates therewith at all times and rise cam 44 will periodically be in the path of the outer or free end of pawl 42, thereby resulting in. movement of the free end of pawl 42, against the pressure of spring 43, to approximately the position shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. At such juncture, or preferably slightly before arriving at the apex of the rise cam 44, upon clockwise rotation of handle 41, pin 38 escapes from notch 42a of pawl 42, thereby permitting continued clockwise rotation of crank 41'. As crank 41 rotates further clockwise, the free end of pawl 42 rides slightly down the rise cam on the-opposite side of the apex thereof until the free end of pawl 42 seats on the erd of pin 38. In further clockwise rotation of crank 41, pawl 42, urged inwardly by spring 43, will wobble in rotation until the notch 42a again approaches registration with pin 38, at which time spring 43 forces the pawl .to its lowest seat (in which position it seats on arched leaf spring 39). When in this position, the outer side of pawl 42 is approximately flush withthe outer end of pin 38, sothat pin 38 is received in notch 42a of the pawl. So long as any portion-of pin 38 is engageable by pawl 42 and thethrust link is not in its fully vertical position, link will be rotated with crank 41.

However, with thrust link 35in vertical position and crank 41 rotated further clockwise, the free end of pawl 42 again rides up rise cam 44, repeating the escaping action. r

On counterclockwiserotation of crank 41, starting .with the thrust link 35 in vertical position, the free end of pawl 42, after passing the apex of rise cam 44, rides down the rise cam, being forced by pressure of spring 43, until it seats on arched leaf spring 39. When so seated, the outer side of pawl 42will again be substantially flush with the outer end of pin 38 and pin 38 will be engaged in notch 42a. Further counterclockwise rotation of crank 41 will then effect rotation of thrust link 35 therewith. 4

As shown,-the leading and trailing edges of the free end .of the pawl 42, in the zone of engagement with of frame (FIG. 20).

the end of horizontal leg 26b of slot 26 of frame 25. However, escapement of pin 38 from notch 42a of pawl 42 preferably takes place when pin 38 is approximately one-sixteenth inch from such positive stop position. As seen in FIG. 4, counterclockwise rotation of link 35 is positively limited by engagement of pin 38 upwardly with the horizontal leg 26b of slot 26 of frame 25 and engagement of the feed wheel end of the thrust link 35 with thrust shelf 44a. Crank 41 may be timed to stop in any position desired when thrust link 35 is rotated counterclockwise to its extreme position.

Inasmuch as escapement pin 38 is firmly anchored in thrust link 35 and link 35 is positively prevented by the frame 25 from moving in the direction pawl 42 moves during escapement, the escapement will repeatedly and habitually take place at the point originally selected.

Notch 42a of pawl 42 is of substantially greater arcuate Width than the diameter of pin 38, as is clearly seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, whereby, if, in clockwise rotation, as seen in FIG. 6, the following edge of notch 42a (in the direction of rotation) releases pin 38 before pawl 42 peaks on cam 44, in counterclockwise rotation, the following edge of notch 42 (in the direction of rotation), will pick up pin 38 for counterclockwise movement after pawl 42 peaks on cam 44.

Second form Referring to FIGS. 12-20, therein is shown the construction of the second form of can opener employing an embodiment of the inventive escapement means. The numeral 125 designates the frame of the second form of can opener. Bearing opening 126 is provided in frame 125 in which the first eccentric plate 129 is rotatably positioned. A shallow recess 127 is formed in the right side Tenon portion 128 of frame 125 has combination can guard and rise cam 148 telescoped thereover before the latter is swaged thereon. Eccentric plate 129 is positioned in bearing opening 126 of frame 125 for limited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation therein. Second eccentric plate 130 is concentric with first eccentric plate 129 and is positioned against the side ofthe frame having the cutter blade thereon. Shoulder stud 131 securely fasten plates 129 and 130 together as a unit, the smaller end of stud 131 being swaged over, preferably by hot-heading process. Bushing or bearing 132 extends through concentric openings in plates 129 and 130 in order to receive the feed wheel (to be described) therein. Bearing 132 has outer flange 132a thereonf Bearing 132 is pressed through aligned openings provided in plates 129 and 130 until fiange 132a thereof 'is firmly seated against plate 130. The inside diameter of bearing 132 is larger at the feed wheel end thereof than at the opposite end. After assembly, plates 129 and 130,

stud 131 and bearing 132 become a very substantial unitary structure. 1 v

Plate 130 is also provided with lug 130a which can engage with stop edges 13% and 130s of the overlying cutter mounting plate 130d in order to positively-limit the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of eccentric plates 129 and 130, as desired. Rotation of eccentric plates 129 and 130 is preferably approximately from one extreme position of rotation of the other extreme position.

Thrust plate 133 has three in-turned legs positioned to bear against the side of the frame 125 opposite from that carrying the cutter. Numeral 133a designates two of the three in-turned legs of plate 133, the arc widthof these two legs being somewhat greater than the arc width of the column recess 127 formed in frame 125. Numeral 133b designates the third one of the three in-turned legs of plate 133 having an arc width somewhat less than the arc width of shallow recess 127. The three leg of plate 133 are of equal height. Plate 133 is provided with aperture 134 to permit free positioning of this plate over the end of bearing 132. Plate 133 is also provided with aper- 7 ture 135 to permit free positioning thereof over the end of stud 131.

Arched leaf spring 136 has two ends which seat against plate 133. Spring 136 is provided with aperture 137 to permit the free insertion therethrough of journal portion 140s of feed wheel drive shaft 140. One end of leaf spring 136 is bifurcated to permit that end of the part to straddle stud 131, as indicated at 138.

Operating handle or crank 139 is secured to feed wheel drive shaft 149. A portion 149a of shaft 140 is of square cross section. Groove 1481; is formed in the square portion of the shaft 140 to prevent longitudinal movement thereof in handle 139 cast thereon. Shaft 140 has journal portion 140s. Threaded portion 140d of shaft 140 carries feed wheel 147.

Pawl 141 of the inventive escapement means has square opening 142 formed therein, opening 142 being somewhat larger than square portion 140a of drive shaft 140 extending therethrough. End 143 of pawl 141 is angled inwardly to permit its corner to always fulcrum on adjacent leaf spring 136. Aperture 144 is formed in pawl 141 in alignment with stud 131, and may be of any suitable conformation. Angle portion 145 of the free end of pawl 141 substantially parallels the angularity of coopcrating rise cam 148b. Compression coil spring 146 of relatively light pressure telescopes over the hub portion of handle 139, seating outwardly against handle 139 and inwardly on pawl 141.

Feed wheel 147 has the hub portion thereof journaled in the larger inside diameter of bearing 132. Combination can guard and rise cam 148 is provided with a suitable aperture for insertion of this part over tenon portion 128 of frame 125, before being swaged thereon. Part 148 has can guard portion 148a and rise cam portion 1481).

In application of the terms clockwise and counterclockwise to description of operation of the second form of can opener, this term shall be applied in all cases only from the point of view of FIGS. 13, 15 and 17. p

In operation of the second form shown in FIGS. 12-20, inclusive, as handle 139 is rotated in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction, pawl 141 rotates therewith at all times and rise cam 148b periodically appears in the path of the outer or free end of pawl 141. The movement of the free end of pawl 141,, against the pressure of spring 146, to approximately the position shown in FIG. 16 permits the escape of pin 131 from aperture 144 of pawl 141. In the case of clockwise rotation, this escape takes place preferably slightly before pawl 141 arrives at the apex of rise cam 14%. This escape permits continued clockwise rotation of handle 139.

As handle 139 is rotated further clockwise from the apex of rise cam 148b, the free end of pawl 141 rides slightly down the rise cam on the opposite side of the apex until the free end of said pawl 141 seats on the end of stud 131. As handle 139 rotates further clockwise, pawl 141, urged inwardly by spring 146, wobbles until aperture 144 again approaches registry with stud 131, at which time spring 146 forces pawl 141 to its lowermost position (in which position it seats on arched leaf spring 136). When in the latter position, the outer side of pawl 141 is approximately flush with the outer end of stud 131 so that stud 131 is received in aperture 144 of the pawl. So long as any portion of stud 131 is positively engaged in the plane of pawl 141 and handle 139 is rotated, eccentric plates 129 and 130 will be rotated with handle 139. If handle 139 is rotated further clockwise, the free end of pawl 141 again rides up rise cam 148b repeating the escaping action.

In rotation of crank or handle 139 in a counterclockwise direction, the free end of pawl 141, after passing the apex of rise cam 148b, assuming the feed wheel is in its uppermost position relative the cutter wheel, will ride down the rise cam, forced by pressure of spring 146, until it seats on spring 136. When 50 seated, the outer side of pawl 141 will again be substantially flush with 8 the outer end of stud 131 and stud 131 will be engaged in aperture 144. Further counterclockwise rotation of handle 139 will then effect rotation of eccentric plates 129 and 130 therewith.

As shown, the leading edge of the free end of pawl 141, in the zone of engagement with rise cam 148b, is preferably formed to parallel the angularity of the rise cam.

As pawl 141 moves from its fully seated position on arched leaf spring 136 to its other extreme position in which its free end rides over the apex of rise cam 1481), its inner end fulcrums on spring 136 (as shown in FIG. 16).

As shown in FIG. 12, engagement of lug 130a of the eccentric plate with overlying edge portion 1311c of the cutter mounting plate 130d will positively limit the clockwise rotation of eccentric plate 130. However, escapement of stud 131 from aperture 144 of pawl 141 preferably takes place when lug 130a is approximately one-sixteenth inch from the overlying stop. As shown in FIG. 14, engagement of lug 130a of eccentric plate 130 with overlying edge portion 130k of cutter mounting plate 130d positively limits the counterclockwise rotation of eccentric plate 130. Handle 139 may be timed to stop in any position desired when eccentric plate 131) is rotated counterclockwise to its extreme position.

Pressure of spring 136 resiliently but yieldably maintains eccentric plate 130 and legs 133a and 133b of thrust plate 133 seated against frame 125. The resultant friction is adequate to maintain handle 139 in any position to which moved until manually rotated therefrom. Whenever handle 139 is rotated clockwise until pin 131 escapes from aperture 144 of pawl 141, leg 133b of thrust plate 133 registers with recess 127 of frame and is resiliently but yieldably maintained in said recess by pressure of spring 136. Resistance to rotation resulting from this engagement, plus friction between the eccentric plates 129 and with frame 125, is always adequate to prevent accidental kick back (counterclockwise rotation) of plates 129 and 130 after escapernent has taken place during clockwise rotation of handle 139. However, the amount of resistance had from the spring urged engagement of leg 133k in recess 127 is not such as to materially impede dislodgment of leg 133b from recess 127 upon counterclockwise rotation of handle 139.

As isv customary, can guard 148a maintains the side wall of a can at the desired angle in relation to the face or end of feed wheel 147'.

Third form FIGS. 2l-24, inclusive, illustrate the third form of can opener wherein numeral 225 designates the body thereof to which the inventive escapement means has been applied. This form of can opener employs a can piercing thrust means consisting of an eccentric plug journaled in the body of the can opener. The eccentric plug preferably has a length equal to or greater than its diameter. The cutter wheel is shown as journaled on an arbor that is pressed into the body of the can opener. The cutter wheel could be carried by another part which could be associated with the body, if desired.

Bearing 226 is provided in body 225 to receive eccentric plug 232. Counterbore 227 is concentric with bearing 226 to receive flange 233 of eccentric plug 232. Can guard 228 maintains the side wall of a can at a predetermined angularity in relation to the face or end of feed wheel 242. Recess 229 is provided in body 225 for reception of rise earn 243. Stop lug 230 is provided on the face 231 of the cylindrical wall about the bearing 226.

The axis of feed wheel drive shaft 238 journaled through eccentric plug 232 is positioned away from the longitudinal axis of plug 232 at such a distance as will provide the required amount of vertical movement of the feed wheel with respect to the overlying cutter wheel. The eccentric plug 232 is actually circular in cross section whereby to rotate in bearing 226. Pin or stud 236 is pressed into hole 234 formed in the face of plug 232 opposite that carrying feed wheel 242. Boss 235 is provided on plug 232. Stud 236 is preferably knurled, as shown, and the portion of pin 236 extending out of hole 234 and seating against the outer end of boss 235 is of slightly greater diameter than the remaining portion.

Crank or operating handle 237 is secured to feed wheel drive shaft 238. Groove 239 formed in shaft 238 secures same in the handle when the latter is cast thereon. Shaft 238 is preferably provided with flats on the portion that is cast in handle 237 to secure the former against rotation in the latter. Threaded portion 240 of shaft 238 carries feed wheel 242. Two ways or notches 241 are provided in the two parallel ribs of handle 237 for reception of trunnions or hinge ears 252 and 253 of pawl 249.

Rise cam 243 is pressed into recess 229 provided in body 225 therefor. Stop plate 244 (FIG. 24), in cooperation with stop lug 230, positively limits the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of plug 232 to selected limits. Aperture 245 provided in plate 244 freely receives therethrough shaft 238. Notch 246 is provided in plate 244 to freely receive boss portion 235 of plug 232. Surface 247 of plate 244 is provided to abut stop lug 230 whereby to positively limit the clockwise rotation of plug 232 (as viewed in FIG. 23). Pawl 249 has elliptical aperture 250 provided therein through which shaft 238 extends. The length of aperture 250 is preferably such that the ends thereof will never engage the shaft 238, while the width thereof is such as to permit pawl 249 to freely wobble on shaft 238 at all times when stud 236 is not engaged in aperture 251 of pawl 249. Aperture 251 of pawl 249 is provided therein for engagement with stud 236. Pawl 249 has left trunnion or hinge ear 252 and right trunnion or hinge ear 253. Ears 252 and 253 are preferably formed, as shown, to a plane slightly above the adjacent other portions of pawl 249, thus assuring their full engagement in ways or notches 241 of handle 237. In-turned terminal portion 254 of pawl 249 is for engagement by,

Coil compression spring 255 is telescoped over feed wheel drive shaft 238 and interposed between the hub portion of handle 237 and pawl 249.

In operation of the third form of the invention shown in FIGS. 21-24, inclusive, the terms-clockwise and counterclockwise will refer to the view-of FIG. 22 taken from the right side of the can opener body as viewed in FIG. 21. Y

As handle 237 is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise, pawl 249 rotates therewith at all times and rise cam 243 will appear in the path of the outer or free end of pawl 249. This periodically results in'movement of the free end of pawl 249, against pressure of spring 255, to approximately the position-shown in FIG. 21. At this time, or preferably slightly before pawl 249 arrives at the apex of cam 243, upon clockwise rotation, stud 236 escapes from aperture 251, thereby permitting continued clockwise rotation of handle 237. As handle 237 is rotated further clockwise, the free end of pawl 249 rides slightly down cam 243 on the opposite side of the apex thereof until the free end of said pawl 249 seats on the end of stud 236. As handle 237 is further rotated clockwise, pawl 249, urged inwardly by spring 255, will wobble until aperture 251 again registers with stud 236, at which time spring 255 forces pawl 249 to its lower position (in which position it seats on plate 144). When in this position, the outer side of pawl 249 is approximately flush with the outer end of pin 236, so pin 236 is received in aperture 251 of the pawl. So long as any portion of pin 236 is engaged in the plane of pawl 249 and handle 237 is rotated, eccentric plate 244 and plug 232 are rotated with handle 237. However, upon further clockwise rotation of handle 237, the free end of pawl 249 again rides up the rise cam 243, repeating the escaping action.

On the other hand, when handle 237 is rotated counterclockwise, the free end of pawl 249, after passing the apex of rise cam 243, rides down the cam, forced by pressure of spring 255, until it seats on plate 244. When so seated, the outer side of pawl 249 is again substantially flush with the outer end of pin 236, and pin 236 is received in aperture 251 of pawl 249. Further counterclockwise rotation of handle 237 picks up pin 236 with pawl 249, thus effecting rotation of plate 244 and plug 232 therewith. I

As pawl 249 moves from its fully seated position on plate 244 to its other extreme position in which its free end rides over the apex of rise cam 243, its inner end fulcrums on plate 244 (as shown in FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 23, engagement of abutting surface 247 of plate 244 with stop lug 230 positively limits the clockwise rotation of plate 244 and eccentric plug 232. However, escapement of pin or stud 236 from aperture 251 of pawl 249 preferably takes place when abutting surface 247 of plate 244 is approximately one-sixteenth inch from underlying stop lug 23%. Also, as shown in FIG. 23, engagement of abutting surface 248 of plate 244 with stop lug 230 positively. limits the counterclockwise rotation of plate 244 and eccentric plug 232. Handle 237 may be timed to stop in any position desired when plate 244 and eccentric plug 232 are rotated counterclockwise to extreme position.

Pressure of spring 255 resiliently'but yieldably maintains feed wheel 242 seated inwardly against eccentric plug 232, flange 233 of plug 232 seated inwardly against body 225, plate 244 seated inwardly against the right end 231 of bore 226 (view of FIG. 21), pawl 249 seated'inwardly on plate 244, and the shroud of handle 237 spaced outwardly from body 225. Dueto the ratio of the length of eccentric plug 232 to its diameter, single spring 255 urgesfiange 233 of plug 232.to seat inwardly in counter- -bore227 of body 225 at all times, including such'time as the free end .of pawl 249 is in engagement with rise cam 243 and such time as the free end' of pawl 249 rides and wobbles on the end of pin 236. By reason of pressure of spring 255, friction resulting between flange 233 of plug 232 and counterbore 227 .ofbody225 and'between plate 244 and .the end surface 231 of bore, 226 of body 225 is adequate to maintain handle 237. inany position to which moved until manually rotatedmtherefrom.

Whenever pin or stud 236 is engaged in aperture-251 of pawl 249 and there ismovement of the free end-of the .pawl (such as when the pawlfree end is riding upthe the particular detailed parts of the above delineated forms of can opener can now be summarized:

(1) In each modification, the pawl, escapement pin, rise cam and drive shaft may all be hardened steel parts and, as all action of the escapement means is restricted to these parts, a minimum of friction, easier operation, and reduced wear are assured.

(2) In each modification, torque is transmitted from the can opener handle to the pawl about the axis of the drive shaft. Inasmuch as the pawl exerts only an outward thrust centrally about the axis of the drive shaft, swinging action of the pawl, as the free end of the pawl is forced up the rise cam during escapement, does not tend to cock the handle (that is, cant the axis of the drive shaft from desired perpendicular alignment with the frame of the can opener in all directions). In other common escapement means, resistance of a like pawl to movement in handle slots causes the handle to cock from its desired position in which the axis of the drive shaft is perpendicular to the frame of the can opener in all directions.

(3) In all modifications, as the points of transmittal of torque from the drive shaft to the pawl and from the pawl to the escapement pin, and the point of engagement between the free end of the pawl and the rise cam are all substantially in the same plane, materially less resistance to function of the parts is thus provided, resulting in lesser friction and easier operation.

(4) In all modifications, due to the selected position of the rise cam, the pawl rotates in substantially a true are in respect to the rise cam during escapement. On the other hand, in other conventional escapement means, the pawl not only rotates in respect to the rise cam, but also must slide longitudinally across the rise cam during escapement.

(5) In all modifications, extremely accurate, uniform and dependable escapement repeatedly and consistently takes place at the selected point, inasmuch as es'capement is positive. On the other hand, in other conventional escapement means, the part engaged by the pawl for escapement therefrom is dependent on pressure of a spring to maintain it fully seated to effect comparable accuracy and uniformity of escapement.

(6) In all modifications, the pawl of the inventive escapement means is provided with surface of adequate area that seats on and parallels the angularity of the rise cam whereby to provide ease and smoothness of operation during escapement. On the other hand, in other con ventional escapement means, more difiicult escapement is not only occasioned by the relatively high friction had between the off-side location of the pawl in a handle slot, but also by reason of a sharp corner of the pawl seating on and engaging the rise cam during escapement.

(7) In all modifications, the substantially pivotal connection between'the pawl and the handle, in lieu of the sliding movement between these parts in other conventional escapement means, results in materially less friction and greater ease of operation.

(8) In all modifications, the pawl requires no hinge pin for connecting the same to the handle, no precision slot of the handle for the pawl to slide in and, therefore, a subassembly of the pawl, hinge pin and handle is eliminated.

(9) In all modifications, inasmuch as all movement of the escapement means is restricted to hardened steel parts and such parts are essentially all positioned in a common plane, greater ease of operation results. In contrast, in conventional escapements, a tendency of a corner of an off-side steel pawl to dig into relatively soft zinc of the slot of the handle and impede the required sliding movement is experienced.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or 12 shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A frame, a cutter rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having an L-shaped slot therethrough, a thrust shelf on the same side of said frame as said cutter below said slot, a thrust link of greater size than said slot positioned on the same side of said frame as said cutter, a feed wheel drive shaft rotatably extending through said slot and one end of said link, a handle on one end of said shaft away from said cutter to rotate said shaft, a feed wheel on the other end of said shaft to rotate therewith, an escapement pin fixed to the other end of the link extending through said slot at a position spaced from said shaft, a rise cam fixed to the other side of the frame from said cutter below said slot, an escapement pawl mounted on the shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufiicient to clear the pawl from the pin in rotation of the shaft.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1 including a thrust plate of greater size than said slot positioned on the other side of said frame from said thrust link and inside of said pawl, the drive shaft and escapement pin extending through said plate.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the thrust shelf and rise cam are one piece and extend through said frame.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1 including spring means normally biasing said pawl toward said frame.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the portion of said pawl which overrides said rise cam is beveled in both directions of contact with the rise cam.

6.-In a can opener, a frame, one of a cutter and a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having an L-shaped slot therethrough, a thrust shelf on the same side of said frame as said one below said slot, a thrust link of greater size than said slot positioned on the same side of said frame as said one, a drive shaft rotatably extending through said slot and one end of said link, a handle on the end of said shaft away from said one to rotate said shaft, the other of said feed wheel and cutter mounted on the other end of said shaft and rotatable therewith, an escapement pin fixed to the other end of the link extending through said slot at a position spaced from said shaft, a rise cam fixed to the other side of the frame below said slot, an escapement pawl mounted on said shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extending so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of said shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pin.

7. In a can opener, a frame, a cutter rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having a circular opening therethrough below said cutter, a first disc rotatably mounted in said opening, a second disc of greater diameter than the first disc mounted on the same side of the frame as the cutter, a drive shaft rotatably and eccentrically extending through said first and second discs, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said cutter to rotate said drive shaft, 2. feed wheel on the other end of said drive shaft from the handle rotatable with the shaft, an escapement pin extending through and fixed relative to said first and second discs and extending outwardly from the frame past the first disc, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from the cutter, an escapement pawl mounted on the shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in said pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the

1.? height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pm.

8. Apparatus as in claim 7 including means to limit the rotation of said second disc in each direction.

9. Apparatus as in claim 7 including a thrust plate of greater diameter than he first disc on the other side of the frame from the cutter, the escapement pin extending through said thrust plate and outwardly from the frame past the thrust plate.

10. Apparatus as in claim 7 including means normally urging said pawl toward said frame.

11. Apparatus as in claim 9 including three legs on said thrust plate spacing it from said frame and a slot in said frame face next said thrust plate engageable by only one of said legs.

12. in a can opener, a frame, one of a cutter or a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having a circular opening therethrough below said one, a first disc rotatably mounted in said opening, a second disc of greater diameter than the first disc mounted on the same side of the frame as said one, a drive shaft rotatably and eccentrically extending through said first and second discs, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said one to rotate said shaft, the other of said feed wheel and cutter on the other end of the shaft from the handle rotatable with the shaft, an escapement pin extending through and fixed relative to said first and second discs and extending outwardly from the frame past said first disc, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from the cutter and feed wheel, an escapement pawl mounted on a shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at angles to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pin.

13. In a can opener, a frame, a cutter rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having a circular opening therethrough below said cutter, a plug rotatably mounted in said opening, a drive shaft rotatably and eccentrically extending through said plug, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said cutter to rotate said shaft, a feed wheel on the other end of said shaft rotatable with said shaft, an escapernent pin fixed to said plug and extending outwardly on the side thereof away from the cutter, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from the cutter, an escapement pawl mounted on the shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pin.

14. A can opener as in claim 13 including a thrust disc fixed to the plug on the cutter side of the frame of greater diameter than the opening.

15. A can opener as in claim 13 including means cooperating between the frame and the plug to limit the plug rotation in both directions.

16. A can opener as in claim 13 including means tending to force the pawl toward the frame.

17. In a can opener, a frame, one of a cutter and a feed wheel rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having a circular opening therethrough below said one, a plug rotatably mounted in said opening, a drive shaft rotatably and eccentrically extending through said plug, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said one to rotate said shaft, the other of said feed wheel and cutter on the other end of said shaft rotatable with said shaft, an escapement pin fixed to said plug extending outwardly therefrom 0n the side thereof away from said feed wheel and cutter, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from said cutter and feed wheel, an 'escapement pawl mounted on the shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pin.

18. In a can opener, a frame, a cutter rotatably mounted on said frame, said fname having an opening extending therethrough below said cutter, a drive shaft rotatably extending through said opening, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said cutter to rotate said shaft, a feed wheel on the other end of said shaft rotatable with said shaft, an es-capement pin, means mounting the escapernent pin on said frame coupling the pin with said shaft whereby motion of one of said pin and shaft carries the other therewith, the opening of sufficient size to permit motion of said shaft therein rel-ative the frame moving the feed wheel to and from the cutter to engage and disengage the end of a can, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from the cutter, an escatpement pawl mounted on said shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the shaft in both directions, the height of the rise cam sufficient to clear the pawl from the pin.

19. In a can opener, a frame, one of a cutter and feed wheel rotatably mounted on said frame, said frame having an opening extending therethrough below said one, a drive shaft rotatably extending through said opening, a handle on said drive shaft on the side of the frame away from said one to rotate said shaft, the other of said feed wheel and cutter on the other end of said shaft rotatable with said shaft, an escapement pin, means mounting the escarpement pin on said frame coupling the pin with said shaft whereby motion of one of the pin and the shaft carries the other therewith, the opening of sufficient size to permit motion of said shaft therein relative the frame moving said one to and from the other to engage and disengage the end of a can, a rise cam fixed to the side of the frame away from said cutter and feed wheel, an escapernent pawl mounted on said shaft so as to rotate therewith yet pivotable at an angle to the axis thereof, the free end of the pawl extended so as to pass over the rise cam in rotation of the shaft, an opening in the pawl engageable with the pin in rotation of the No references cited. 

